As a student in the Wine Business Strategies program at Sonoma State University, every student had to complete 135 or 180 hours as a paid intern in the wine industry. My journey with Korbel began in the fall of 2021 when I was a part of the School of Business and Economics Menor/Mentee program. My mentor was Chrissy Nelson who worked alongside the Human Resources Department. Since we were a part of the program through the pandemic, I was only able to visit Korbel once, but from my one visit, I knew this would be a place I'd love to be. I decided to apply for my summer internship and chose Korbel. I was excited to begin my journey as a wine assistant server and learn about the wonderful company. I appreciated the beautiful location, genuine coworkers, and customers from all around the world. Most days, I would spend my lunch outside and wander around the property to find some new adventures. I have captured a few pictures that turned into memories I wanted to share.
On my first day at Korbel, I saw this western tiger swallowtail butterfly. I was fortunate to come very close to the butterfly and admire how beautiful it was. I felt that it was a sign that it was going to be a great day and place to be. The butterfly also was a sign of alignment and that Korbel was the place to be.
For Father's Day, it has become a tradition for the classic cars from the Korbel's racing team to be displayed. Many people came out to celebrate and enjoy complimentary champagne splashes and take pictures with these unique cars.
Some of my coworkers would talk about the Korbel guest house. Walking from the history room to the delicatessen you can see the bottom of the house and the front yard. I asked my coworkers what it was like and they gave me a mini tour. Here is the breathtaking view from the back porch.
My coworkers also told me about the champagne pool and showed me how unique it really was. It is near another guest house on the property and is shaped like a champagne bottle.
Now the Korbel Delicatessen has such a delicious menu that is unlike any other winery I had ever been to. Before I became an official employee of Korbel, I would order the Vitner salad which was a chicken almond salad. One day, I saw my coworker eating a sandwich and it looked incredible so I asked what it was and he told me the Legacy. The Legacy sandwich consists of grilled beef tri-tip, chimichurri, caramelized onions, crumbled gorgonzola, and I added avocado.
This view is from the lounge near the Delicatessen and tasting room. There is a covered awning with comfortable outdoor couches and tables with a premium view of the pine trees and grapes. Seeing Guerneville in all of its beauty.
The Vintners with a view. I remember enjoying my last lunch break at the guest house on a warm sunny day. My favorite original sandwich on sourdough bread.
My bittersweet last day of working at Korbel touched my heart forever. My sweet coworkers gave me a card with a picture of the guest house where I would go to have lunch. One of my coworkers also got me some delicious cinnamon buns as well as another coworker got me a box of doughnuts with my nickname "Hadster". Lastly, my supervisor got me a bottle of my favorite Korbel champagne, Sweet Cuvée. Champagne represents celebration, happiness, and a good time which are all the things why I loved working at Korbel and the memories of loving, caring, and supportive people.
